The Value of an Engineering Degree

Dave Johnson M.Eng.

Content

• Introduction & background

• Degree choice

• Degree subjects

• Use of degree in employment

• Realised values

• Summary

Background

• Traditional ‘A’ Level route into H.E.

• M.Eng Civil Engineering 1996-2001• University of Surrey• Industrial Placement (Costain Ltd)

• Employment Costain Ltd• Variety of experience

• Future – CPR with the ICE

Degree Choice• Interest & ability in Sciences & Technology

• Good academically but also highly practical

•Opinions - parents, teachers & employers

•Opening to awe inspiring careers.

Academic Practical

Subjects Taught• Foundation skills

Key Sciences Personal skills Numeracy Communication Research capability Leadership &

Teamwork Time management IT

• Specific Subjects Analysis Geology & soils Steel & RC Design Fluids Law & contract

Degree use in Employment

• New Environment / People• Ability to adapt & learn quickly• Regular new concepts

• Personal skills• Managing time / workload• Confidence in abilities• Independent evaluation and decision making

• Integral part of team• Leadership, delegation, motivation• Communication.• Multi-disciplinary understanding

Degree use in Employment

• Managing people, plant & materials• Clear logical thought & organisation• Multiple concurrent activities

• Technical knowledge• Broad range of subjects • Knowing where to get more information from.

• Commercial Knowledge• Contract & procurement• Negotiation skills• Appreciation of costs

Example Illustration

• 2 Years – Site based experience• Part of team 100+ people Multi disciplined• Contractors site based engineer.

• Internal secondment to HR Dept.• Promoting ‘Building Awareness’ Initiative• PR function

• Time management• Budget control• Planning / Programming• Communication

Realised Values

• Challenging degree.

• Transferable & adaptable skills.

• Respected & valued qualification.

• Solid foundation for future learning.

• Keeps options open.

• Hybrid of general (Broad) and specific (Focused)

• Industry relevant learning – exciting.

• Opportunity to add value early in career.

Conclusions• Engineering so diverse & dynamic

• Degree directly reflects this – Balanced

• Tool kit for further learning• Graduates primed for workplace learning• Many key skills taught

• Best skilled graduates • Transferable skills• Valued qualification• Practical, organised, confident, strong logic.

15 of the FTSE top 100

companies are run by people

with engineering qualifications